A father of five with some of his kids already in college, including a sophomore at UT-Pan American, Aliseda said his nomination comes at an exhilarating time for the Valley.

The UT System has proposed, and lawmakers are considering, merging UTPA, UT-Brownsville and the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio's regional campus in South Texas into one university.

“Our economy down here has changed from an agriculture-based economy to a more diverse economy,” Aliseda said. “We need people who are more highly educated. ... If I can be part of what I believe to be a very positive opportunity, not only for my area but also for the UT system, it's wonderful.”

When it comes to the yet-to-be-determined location for medical school facilities, Aliseda said, “I don't have any sort of personal agenda. ... We have many different communities that make up the Rio Grande Valley and I'm not there to lobby on behalf of anyone.”

He also said he plans to bring fairness, impartiality and a hardworking nature — attributes he said are important to him as a judge — to the board.

In light of recent criticism of regents as micromanagers — particularly toward the actions of UT Austin President Bill Powers — Aliseda said he will seek to understand the boundaries of his position.

“When you go into a position, the first thing you're going to do is learn as to what your duties are, what the parameters might be of those duties,” he said. “There will be a learning process. But I'm not one to shy away from taking advice. I'm here to learn and I'm here to work with the current board and all the presidents and all the administrations of the universities that make up the UT System.”

On Wednesday, Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, filed a bill he said was designed to clamp down on micromanagement and require regent appointees to complete ethics training.

Of the Senate confirmation process still ahead, Aliseda said: “I'm here as an individual wanting to represent the state the best I can and the UT System the best I can. ... I look forward to being part of the process.”